Graduation invitation photo

[corba20]

One of my friend asked me to take her photo for 'graduation invitation card'. Being asked is really good. Please, C&C.

#1. my favorite
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3416540300_bac67d1307.jpg

#2. her favorite
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3416536578_b37282796c.jpg

#3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3416537302_4a1ca36056.jpg

#4
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3415730085_4da011537a.jpg

[pigtailpat]

Considering the use of the photo, I like 4 the best, because the background tells more of the story (of the graduation) as it is more school like in the background. While the subject's face recedes in that particular shot, overall, in view of the use on a graduation invitation cover, I think that one is the most appropriate. You're going to have to do a little more editing I think, as the light on the face is a little hot I think (at least on my monitor).

[corba20]

Thanks pigtailpat for comments. You're right. I barely retouched face yet. I should learn more about portrait retouching skills. The funny thing is whenever I move my eye's position or change angle of laptop screen, my laptop lcd screen shows different brightness...:)

[corba20]

pigtailpat, are you talking about #3? third one from top?

[snyderman]

Agree that #4 tells the best 'story' except for the stray railing by her right arm. Ouch! Graduating. Moving up. Moving on. #2 would be my second choice. Nice colors and good WB on all. Like the BG trees on #2.

dave

[corba20]

Thanks snyderman, the green in #2 is adjusted to higher saturation level with computer. I wish I could have that green naturally....:) And I agree the composition problem in #4. I will double check there is anything coming out of head text time. Thanks for reminding it.

[pigtailpat]

Corba -

Sorry I was engaged earlier and didn't see your post. I was referring to #4 the very last photo, and agree with synder about the stray railing on the left edging into your subject's arm - that will have to edited out. If you can manage to make those edits, I think #4 is best overall.

Pat

[elisesanchez]

I can see why she would like #2. Her skin is beautiful in this photo. It is hard to make the lighting of #3 flattering. I like your attempt to use the dome in the background. I am not sure about the blown out forehead though.

[acousticvibrations]

Agree that #4 tells the best 'story'

Just that one rail near her right arm kills it.

[corba20]

Thanks guys.

I bravely retouched and got rid of rail on right arm. How's it? I know I am not good at retouching at all.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3423247084_d7b918ceea.jpg

[pigtailpat]

Corba -

I think this looks good. What size will this be printed at for the invitation? You probably can get away with a tighter crop, so you can get rid of even more of the distracting elements to the left of your subject's left arm (that's nearer to the edge of the photo), but without detracting from the overall story of this photo. All you need is a very slight crop.

If you can swing it, I honestly like this one the best of the 4 you posted for the intended use.......

Pat

[acousticvibrations]

i agree with pig , but good job w/ edit on the arm.